Cromer Town have been crowned Lovewell Blake Anglian Combination Premier Division champions.

Cromer Town have been crowned Lovewell Blake Anglian Combination Premier Division champions.

The Crabs beat Sprowston Athletic 4-2 in their final fixture on Saturday to finish two points ahead of title holders Blofield United, who won 5-2 at Brandon.

Sterry Cup success completed a notable double for Cromer, who also won the Senior KO Cup, and maintained a remarkable record of finishing in the top-flight top two for each of the past five seasons.

“It's a very proud day for me, the players and the club,” said Cromer manager Terry Beane.

“We looked certain to miss out to Blofield at one stage, but all credit to the boys. Their spirit, enthusiasm and attitude have been magnificent and they thoroughly deserve it.

“I always felt that, if we kept going and could get within range of them, we could still do it.

“To win the league is tremendous. To win the double is particularly pleasing because it's something I've not done before.

“I always think that, with the players we have, we can win any competition we enter.

“My one little disappointment for the season is not reaching the Norfolk Senior Cup final, which I really did think we could have done, but perhaps that sounds a bit greedy.”

Blofield were firm title favourites when, with three fixtures left, they had a six-point lead over Cromer, who had only one game in hand and a 13-goal inferior difference.

Then, though, the Beavers were beaten by Sprowston Athletic and held to a draw by North Walsham in successive home matches.

“They were matches we should have won, but the players let themselves and the club down badly,” said joint manager Paddy Murphy.

“We were absolutely outstanding at times against Brandon, but it was a game that shouldn't have mattered.

“Congratulations to Cromer, but we'll want the title back next season.”

Ben Thompson scored two of Cromer's goals against Sprowston and helped set up the other two, for Ryan Honeyman and Craig Terrington.

Rikki George and David Potter replied.

Neil Maguire (2), Chris O'Brien, Paul Warman and Colin Wines were Blofield's marksmen, with John Waites and Lee Webber on target for Brandon.

Goals from Daniel Mitchell (2) and Bradley Hough earned Lowestoft Town Res a 3-1 over Sheringham, for whom Mark Bailes scored.

Darren Miller (2), Karl Barnard and Nicholas Meale netted as Stalham won 4-3 in Division One against bottom team Mulbarton, whose marksmen were Stephen Eglington, Jess Payne-Wilkins and Jack Richardson.

Wymondham Town drew 0-0 with Hindringham.